Could a Hub Get Replaced on the Side of the Highway

Question:

I have a boat trailer for a small 17 Boston Whaler. It is an EZ Loader trailer from the mid 1980s and it is in very good condition galvanized. I had one bearing fail about 15 years ago and had a new spindle welded on. Since then it has run fine. I am doing more trailering now and going somewhat longer distances and have been worrying about what to do with a bearing failure away from home. So finally heres the question: Can I replace my spindle/hub assembly with one which could be changed on the road if a bearing fails? I have seen the square stub/spindle assemblies and they look like you should be able to adapt those to slide inside a square axle and bolt it up so the whole stub assembly could be replaced on the road. Is this feasible?

asked by: Craig O

Expert Reply:

Spindles get welded to axles so there really is not an easy way to replace one on the side of a highway. The best advice I could give to you would be to periodically check the condition of the bearings on your trailer and be sure to grease them regularly and you should have a pretty reliable trailer setup.

If you had a replacement hub in your vehicle you could pretty easily swap one if needed.

Check out the video I attached on bearing inspection for you.

expert reply by: Jameson C